16/09/2009

Among the four European features hitting French theatres today, alongside as many US releases, is a trio of films straight from Cannes 2009. MK2 Diffusion is launching a 98-print run of UK director Andrea Arnold’s vibrant Fish Tank [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Andrea Arnold
film profile], whose direct but subtle social realism and quality performances (Kate Jarvis, Michael Fassbender) earned it the Jury Prize on the Croisette and widespread critical acclaim in France.

Also attracting attention is Robert Guédiguian’s The Army of Crime [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], unveiled out of competition at Cannes (see review). Starring Simon Abkarian, Virginie Ledoyen, Robinson Stévenin, Yann Tregouët and Jean-Pierre Darroussin, the feature has won over the press thanks to its historical subject which resonates with contemporary issues: the involvement of immigrants (Armenian, Polish, Spanish, Italian…) in the resistance against the Nazis in occupied France.

Also praised for its screenplay (co-written by the director, Gilles Taurand and Serge Le Péron) and impressive acting, the feature has not, however, received unanimous critical approval for its directorial style. Produced by Agat Films & Cie, The Army of Crime was co-produced by France 3 Cinéma and received an advance on receipts from the National Film Centre (CNC). It is being released by StudioCanal on around 250 screens.

The third Cannes contender is Mathias Gokalp’s original Nothing Personal [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Mathias Gokalp, director of…
film profile], which opened Critics’ Week, out of competition (see review). Headed by an impressive cast (Darroussin, Denis Podadylès, Mélanie Doutey, Pascal Greggory, Zabou Breitman and Bouli Lanners), this debut feature is held together by a formidable and rigorously-constructed screenplay, whose subject is a blend of comedy and sociological criticism of modern business.

Produced by Karé Productions, the film is being launched by Rezo on 87 screens.

Finally, Shellac is releasing a ten-print run of Lucile Chaufour’s Violent Days - Dry [+see also:
trailer
film profile], which was presented in the Berlinale Forum 2005 (and at the Karlovy Vary and London festivals, the same year). Produced by the director’s company (Supersonicglide) for €670,000, this debut feature received a post-production advance on receipts from the CNC.

(Translated from French)